2010-2016, Fluctuations in Indonesian Beef Imports

Indonesia's beef imports from 2010-2016 were quite volatile. Data from the Ministry of Agriculture shows that in 2010, beef import volume reached 90,500 tons, valued at US$338.8 million. However, in 2012, the volume dropped to 39,400 tons and a value of US$164.89 million.

Then in 2014, beef imports increased again to 246,500 tons, valued at US$681.23 million. A year later, imports fell again to 197,600 tons, valued at US$545.57 million. Meanwhile, beef imports from January to May 2016 reached 107,200 tons, valued at US$321.3 million.

The failure to meet domestic needs prompted the government to open up beef imports, although this sparked controversy. Despite importing from several countries, beef prices in Indonesia remain high, especially in the run-up to the Eid al-Fitr holiday. As reported, the discovery of unfit-for-consumption beef from Brazil has led several countries to halt imports from the South American nation. Brazil is, however, one of the world's largest beef exporters.